ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Shri Sonowal inaugurates Marine Workshop of IMU-Chennai Campus
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways and AYUSH Shri Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the Marine Workshop of IMU-Chennai Campus and dedicated the new buildings of Visakhapatnam campuses to the nation through virtual mode from Chennai yesterday. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister pointed out that India will be champion of champions through Maritime India Vision. He said, togetherness is the value respected by all Indians. Shri Sonowal called upon the students to give their 100% for achieving their goals. Speaking about the opportunities before students, he said, “Bharat Mata has given us the dynamic leadership of the Prime Minister Modi, who has declared his motto to provide ample opportunity for students’ career.”
Indian Maritime University, headquartered in Chennai, was established in 2008 as a Central University by merging 7 legacy institutes to provide quality maritime education, training and research. IMU offers undergraduate, post graduate and Ph.D programmes in its 6 Campuses located at Chennai, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Vishakhapatnam. There are also 18 Maritime Training Institutes affiliated to IMU.
Member of Parliament Shri P. Ravindhranath , MLA Shri S. Aravind Ramesh, Sholinganallur and Shri P. Shankar, Chancellor, Indian Maritime University were present on the occasion. Dr. Malini V Shankar, Vice Chancellor of Indian Maritime University presided over the event. Shri Sunil Paliwal, Chairman, Chennai Port Trust, Shri Balaji Arunkumar, Deputy Chairman, Chennai Port Trust, Shri J. Pradeep Kumar, CVO, IMU and many other senior officials of IMU, Port and Shipping industries participated in the event.
Ministry of Defence
DRDO to showcase indigenously-developed military systems and technologies at DefExpo 2020
The display of various indigenously-developed military systems and technologies by Defence Research and Development Organisation  will bring alive the spirit of self-reliance and national pride at the forthcoming DefExpo 2020. The 11th edition of the biennial expo will be held at Uttar Pradesh capital Lucknow from February 5-9, 2020.
The participation of DRDO at the expo is marked with the live demonstration of Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System , Main Battle Tank  Arjun MK IA, Wheeled Armoured Platform , Counter Mine Flail, 15m Advanced Composite Modular Bridging System  and modular bridge.
The DRDO will exhibit more than 500 products from all technology clusters in the five-day mega expo in line with the theme of the event “Digital Transformation of Defence”. DRDO will showcase over 23 products in the India Pavilion at DefExpo, which has been set up to showcase the combined strength of DRDO, public and private sector in defence manufacturing.
Abb/ss/Nampi/dk/Savvy/MTJ/ADA
(
Ministry of Labour & Employment
Atmanirbhar Bharat Rojgar Yojana
Aatmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana  has been launched to incentivize employers for creation of new employment along with social security benefits and restoration of loss of employment during COVID-19 pandemic. Under the scheme;
- An employee drawing monthly wage of less than Rs. 15000/- who was not working in any establishment registered with the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization  before 1st October, 2020 and did not have a Universal Account Number or EPF Member account number prior to 1st October 2020 is eligible for the benefit.
- Any EPF member possessing Universal Account Number  drawing monthly wage of less than Rs. 15000/- who made exit from employment during Covid pandemic from 01.03.2020 to 30.09.2020 and did not join employment in any EPF covered establishment up to 30.09.2020 is also eligible to avail benefit.
This scheme being implemented through the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation , reduces the financial burden of the employers of various sectors/industries including MSME and will encourages them to hire more workers. Under ABRY, the Government of India is bearing both the employees’ share  and employers’ share  of contribution payable or only the employees’ share, depending on employment strength of the EPFO registered establishments. The scheme has commenced from 1st October 2020 and shall remain open for registration of eligible employers and new employees upto 30th June 2021. Government will pay the subsidy for two years from the date of registration.
The outlay approved by the Government for the total period of scheme implementation i.e. from 2020 to 2023 is Rs. 22810 Crore.
This information was given by Minister of State  for Labour & Employment Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Cabinet
Cabinet approves proposal for allotment of land measuring 30 acres to Pasteur Institute of India for establishment of New Viral Vaccine Manufacturing Unit at Coonoor, Tamil Nadu
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the Proposal for allotment of land measuring30 acres to Pasteur Institute of India  for establishmentof New Viral Vaccine Manufacturing Unit at Coonoor, Tamil Nadu.
The project entails production of Viral Vaccines  and Anti Sera  at the PII, Coonoor. Land for the project will be transferred free of cost.
Land used for the project will also be got changed by the Ministry of Health & FW from ‘Industrial’ to ‘Institutional’.
Benefits:
The allotment of land will encourage the production of life-saving vaccines for children, to strengthen the vaccine security of the country, and would reduce the cost, besides providing import substitution as presently these are being imported.
AKT
(Visitor Counter : 748
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Road Safety Month to be inaugurated tomorrow
National Road Safety Month is all set to be inaugurated tomorrow, to build awareness about road safety and reduce road accidents in India. The inaugural function is slated for tomorrow in Vigyan Bhavan , where it will be launched by Union Minister for DefenceShRajnath Singh and Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways & MSME, Sh. Nitin Gadkari. Minister of State for RTH, Gen  Sh. VK Singh and CEO, Niti AAYOG, Sh. Amitabh Kant will also participate.
Activities planned during the Month include launch of a film on Road safety, flagging off of a National Championship Safe Speed Challenge from Wagah border to Kanyakumari, and giving away of awards for Road Safety. State Governments, PSUs, and Insurance companies will also participate in awareness-creating activities, with seminars, walkathons, poster-making competitions etc.
Ministry of Communications
Launch of 4G Services by BSNL
In line with Atma-nirbhar Bharat initiative of the Government, BSNL was directed to deploy Indian 4G stack. BSNL floated the Expression of Interest  on 1st Jan, 2021 for the Proof of Concept . The PoC has been completed with few pending points. BSNL has issued the Purchase Order for 6,000 sites for 4G roll-out on 31-03-2022 and another purchase order of 6,000 sites on 25-07-2022. Thereafter, BSNL has floated the tender in October 2022 for its requirement of 1 lakh 4G sites.
On 23.10.2019, Government of India approved the revival plan for BSNL and MTNL. It inter-alia approved the reduction in employee costs through Voluntary Retirement Scheme , debt restructuring by raising of sovereign guarantee bonds, administrative allotment of spectrum for 4G services through capital infusion, monetization of core and non-core assets and in-principle approval of merger of BSNL and MTNL. As a result of these, BSNL has become EBITDA  positive since the financial year 2020-21.
Further on 27.07.2022, to transform BSNL into a viable Public Sector Undertaking, the Government approved a revival package for BSNL amounting to Rs 1.64 lakhs crores. The revival measures focus on infusing fresh capital for upgrading BSNL services, allocating spectrum, de-stressing its balance sheet and augmenting its fibre network by merging Bharat Broadband Nigam Limited  with BSNL.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Communications, Shri Devusinh Chauhan in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID - 19 Vaccination Update - Day 358
More than 2 Cr Vaccine Doses administered among Adolescents between 15-18 age group
Schedule for 'precaution' dose of Covid-19 released today
India’s cumulative vaccination coverage achieves 151.47 crore
More than 79 lakh Vaccine doses administered today till 7 pm
In a landmark achievement, more than 2 Cr  COVID-19 Vaccine Doses administered among adolescents for first dose between 15-18 age group. India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has crossed 151.47 Crore  today. More than 79 lakh  Vaccine Doses have been administered till 7 pm today. The daily vaccination tally is expected to increase with the compilation of the final reports for the day by late tonight.
In a tweet, Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya praised the enthusiasm among Adolescents for Vaccination and congratulated them on this achievement.
The Schedule for ‘Precaution’ Dose will be published today and Online appointment facility will also start by today evening.
The cumulative coverage of vaccine doses, segregated based on population priority groups, is as follows:
|
|
Cumulative Vaccine Dose Coverage
|
|
HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
10388843
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
9740548
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
18387142
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
16967613
|
|
Age Group 15-18 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
22733154
|
|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
513506670
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
350964108
|
|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
196030548
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
155846155
|
|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
122225469
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
97950840
|
|
Cumulative 1st dose administered
|
|
883271826
|
|
Cumulative 2nd dose administered
|
|
631469264
|
|
Total
|
|
1514741090
Today’s achievement in the vaccination exercise, segregated by population priority groups, is as follows:
|
|
Date: 8th January, 2022 
|
|
HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
65
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
3551
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
115
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
13454
|
|
Age Group 15-18 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
2322426
|
|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
1741439
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
2465956
|
|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
208082
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
721372
|
|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
111445
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
380618
|
|
1st Dose Administered in Total
|
|
4383572
|
|
2nd Dose Administered in Total
|
|
3584951
|
|
Total
|
|
7968523
The vaccination exercise as a tool to protect the most vulnerable population groups in the country from COVID-19 continues to be regularly reviewed and monitored at the highest level.
Prime Minister's Office
PM Congratulates Indian contingent for their stupendous performance at Tokyo2020
Calls for keep working to further popularise sports at the grassroots so that new talent emerges
Thanks Government and people of Japan for hosting a well organised games
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi congratulated the Indian contingent for their stupendous performance at the games. As Tokyo2020 draws to a close, the Prime Minister said that every athlete who represented India is a champion.
He said that the medals India has won has certainly made our nation proud and elated.
At the same time, this is the time to keep working to further popularise sports at the grassroots so that new talent emerges and gets the opportunity to represent India in the times to come.
He also thanked Government and people of Japan for hosting a well organised games. “To host it so successfully, in such times, gave out a strong message of resilience. It also demonstrated how sports is a great unifier”, said the Prime Minister.
In a series of tweets, the Prime Minster said:
“As #Tokyo2020 draws to a close, I would like to congratulate the Indian contingent for their stupendous performance at the games. They personified the best of skill, teamwork and dedication. Every athlete who represented India is a champion.
The medals India has won has certainly made our nation proud and elated.
At the same time, this is the time to keep working to further popularise sports at the grassroots so that new talent emerges and gets the opportunity to represent India in the times to come. #Tokyo2020
A special thank you to the Government and people of Japan, especially Tokyo for hosting the well-organised games.
To host it so successfully, in such times, gave out a strong message of resilience. It also demonstrated how sports is a great unifier. #Tokyo2020”
Prime Minister's Office
PM applauds more than 5 lakh train operations in FY 2022-23
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has applauded more than 5 lakh train operations in FY 2022-23.
Sharing a tweet by Ministry of Railways about the year on year increase in the number of operational freight trains, the Prime Minister tweeted:
“Encouraging numbers, indicating our strides in logistics and economic momentum.”
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Dr. Harsh Vardhan presides overdistribution of masks and soaps by Indian Red Cross Society to various Transport Unions
“Having the vaccine does not mean that we should be complacent. In fact, all the preventive measures should be followed by all of us now and in near future too”
Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare and Chairman, Indian Red Cross Societypresided over the distribution of masks and soaps tovarious Transport Unions today.
At the outset, Dr. Harsh Vardhan expressed his elation at the event. He said, “I am very happy to be a part of the initiative of distributing masks as part of the COVID-19 response activities. This is part of a series of such distributions across the country. In Delhi itself, we have distributed masks on the railway stations, sabjimandi and other places considering the high chances of infection at these places.”
Acknowledging the efforts of Indian Red Cross Society and emphasizing on the need of COVID appropriate behaviour even after vaccine development, Dr. Harsh Vardhan said, “I am happy to highlight that the vaccine made in our own country for the prevention of COVID has been approved and the Government of India have already started the largest vaccination drive in the world.But having the vaccine does not mean that we should be complacent. In fact, all the preventive measures must be followed by all of us now and in the near future, as well. Considering this, it is praiseworthy that IRCS is continuing the distribution of masks from the prevention perspective.”
Underlining the importance of such distribution, the Union Minister said, “The mask distribution is a token of the significance of mask and hand hygiene. The road transport drivers and helpers keep travelling throughout the country and are vulnerable to infection. The masks being distributed by IRCS will be of great help in preventing the COVID infection.”
Speaking on the COVID situation in India, Dr. HarshVardhan highlighted the progress in the COVID parameters. He said, “India has one of the highest Recovery Rate in the whole world. The positive cases are also declining and stand at 1.48lakh as of today. From 1 lab in January 2020, we now have 2373 labs. We have a capacity to conduct more than a million tests a day. We have completed 20 Crore cumulative tests. This is a result of ‘whole of Government’ and ‘whole of Society’ approach.”
He further added, “India has not only become self reliant in production of masks, PPE kits, ventilators etc but also in a position to export these. More than 58 lakh beneficiaries have been vaccinated till now. Prime Minister ShriNarendraModiji launched the vaccination drive and appealed to all the healthcare workers to get the vaccine. We have also started vaccinating the frontline workers from the month of February.”
Negating the misinformation and rumors surrounding the vaccine, Dr. Harsh Vardhan said, “Many people are trying to spread the misinformation and rumors related to vaccine. I appeal to the people to not believe in any such rumors.”
Shri. R.K. Jain,Secretary General,IRCS and representatives of Transport Unions were present at the event.
Prime Minister's Office
PM remembers Sardar Patel on his Punya Tithi
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has remembered Sardar Patel on his Punya Tithi.
“ लौह पुरुष सरदार वल्लभभाई पटेल को उनकी पुण्यतिथि पर मेरी विनम्र श्रद्धांजलि।
Remembering the great Sardar Patel on his Punya Tithi. His thoughts, rich work and strong effort towards India’s unity inspire generations of Indians”, the Prime Minister said.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Incentives to Foreign Companies
The Government of India is making continuous efforts under InvestmentFacilitationfor implementation of Make in India action plans to identify potential investors. Support is being provided to Indian Missions abroad and State Governments for organising events, summits, road-shows and other promotional activities to attract investment in the country under the Make in India banner. Investment Outreach activities are being carried out for enhancing International co-operation for promoting FDI and improve Ease of Doing Business in the country.
Recently, in addition to ongoing schemes, Government has taken various steps to boost investments in India. These include the National Infrastructure Pipeline, reduction in Corporate Tax, easing liquidity problems of NBFCs and Banks, trade policy measures to boost domestic manufacturing. Government of India has also promoted domestic manufacturing of goods through public procurement orders, Phased Manufacturing Programme , Schemes for Production Linked Incentives of various Ministries.
Keeping in view India’s vision of becoming ‘Atmanirbhar’ and to enhance India’s Manufacturing Capabilities and Exports, an outlay of INR 1.97 lakh crore has been announced in Union Budget 2021-22 for PLI schemes for 13 key sectors for a period of 5 years starting from fiscal year  2021- 22. These 13 sectors includes already existing 3 sectors named  Mobile Manufacturing and Specified Electronic Components,  Critical Key Starting materials/Drug Intermediaries & Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, and  Manufacturing of Medical Devices and 10 new key sectors which have been approved by the Union Cabinet recently in November 2020. These 10 key sectors are:
 Automobiles and Auto Components,  Pharmaceuticals Drugs,  Specialty Steel,  Telecom & Networking Products,  Electronic/Technology Products,  White Goods ,  Food Products,  Textile Products: MMF segment and technical textiles,  High efficiency solar PV modules, and  Advanced Chemistry Cell  Battery.
The PLI schemes will be implemented by the concerned Ministries/ Departments and will be within the overall financial limits prescribed.
Further, with a view to support, facilitate and provide investor friendly ecosystem to investors investing in India, the Union Cabinet on 03rd June, 2020 has approved constitution of an Empowered Group of Secretaries , and also Project Development Cells  in all concerned Ministries/ Departments to fast-track investments in coordination between the Central Government and State Governments, and thereby grow the pipeline of investible projects in India to increase domestic investments and FDI inflow.
This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Shri SomParkash, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha yesterday.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Medical Devices Under the Jurisdictionof CDSCO
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation  under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare regulates the safety, efficacy and quality of notified medical devices under the provisions of Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rules made thereunder.
In order to bring all the non-notified Medical Devices under the regulation, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India has prepared a road map and published draft rule vide G.S.R. 797 , dated 18th October, 2019.
Further, a Notice has been issued seeking the comments of the stakeholders on a proposal to notify all the medical devices under sub section  of section  of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 to regulate them as per the provisions of the said Act and Medical Devices Rules, 2017 framed thereunder.
The Minister of State , ShAshwini Kumar Choubey stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha here today.
Ministry of Defence
IAF Mountaineering Expedition
IAF Mountaineering Expedition to Mt Kun  was launched on 24 Jun 2018. A total of 17 Air-Warriors had participated in this expedition. After the training at high altitude, the expedition was flagged off on 27 Jun 2018 at Pahalgam by Director, Dte of Adventure.
IAF has been at the forefront to promote women Air-Warriors. The team containing four women Air-Warriors out of a total of 17, was successfully led by Squadron Leader Lalita Mishra, who was also a part of IAF 2011 women expedition to Mt Everest. Eight Air-Warriors successfully reached the summit on 15 Jul 18. Among the summiteers are Squadron Leader Atul Shoeran, Flight Lieutenant Ashak, Sergeant Ravinder, Sergeant M Bhist, Sergeant S Jakhar, Corporal RS Chandel, Corporal JA Wani and NC  Gulsad Ali.
This is a notable achievement for Directorate at Adventure since mountaineering expedition to Mt Kun had to be called off last year  due to weather and snow conditions. IAF Air-Warriors lived up to the challenges and shown true grit, team spirit and perseverance to achieve their aim.
Prime Minister's Office
PM meets Economist Nicholas Stern
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi met Lord Nicholas Stern, economics professor of London School of Economics. Both dignitaries discussed diverse issues.
In response to a tweet from Lord Nicholas Stern, the Prime Minister tweeted;
"Happy to have met @lordstern1 and discuss diverse issues. His passion towards the environment and nuanced understanding of policy related issues is admirable. He is also optimistic about India and believes in the skills of 130 crore Indians."
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Electronic Health Records
A scheme to set up an ‘Integrated Health Information Platform  to create the Electronic Health Records  of citizens and to be made available nationwide online for medical history, with the help of Health Information Exchange, has been approved and is being implemented.
MoHFW has notified Electronic Health Record  Standards Version 2016 for India in December 2016  with the intent to bring standardisation and homogeneity, inter-operability in capture, storage, transmission, use etc. of healthcare information across various health IT systems.
State/UTs have been advised and are already working on computerisation and implementation of hospital information system  in their hospitals/health facility with support under National Health Mission.
With the advent of the envisaged system of EHRs of citizens in an inter-operable manner pan-nation, online availability and accessibility would be ensured facilitating continuity of care, better affordability, better health outcome and better decision support system. This is expected to help in reducing expenditure on avoidable repetitive and similar diagnostic tests.
The Minister of State , Smt Anupriya Patel stated this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha here today.